Tuesday 15th of September 2009
Bingo draws together young and old
Every day it seems there are scare stories about young people failing to respect their elders.
So how refreshing it is to hear about a heart-warming new bingo initiative in Cheshire where respect for senior citizens is very much on the agenda.
The scheme saw eight junior wardens from the town of Winsford introduced to a group of residents at Fountain Court retirement home in Davenham, reports the Northwich Guardian.
These children, all aged between eight and 11, then participated in a games day featuring friendly free bingo sessions between the generations.
Launched in October 2008, the junior community wardens project was set up by the former Vale Royal Borough Council and the Weaver Vale Housing Trust (WVHT).
Free bingo closes the generation gap
Judith Burbidge, neighbourhood division team manager for WVHT, hailed the bingo scheme for bridging the generation gap.
A lot is made of the divisions between older and younger people in our community so it is fantastic to see the junior neighbourhood wardens getting on so well with our older residents, she said.
The youngsters now aim to take all the positive experiences from the day and use them where they live.
Last month saw another outreach programme involving youngsters and pensioners with bingo games at its heart.
Pupils at Eccleston Mere Primary School on Merseyside were taught about bingo during a fun day at Helena Homes sheltered accommodation.
The children also arranged a cake sale and Nintendo Wii tournament before retiring to school for a cheeky free bingo game at the end of the day.
